IPOH: Perak SEDC have signed up two new foreign imports in Ghanian midfielder Thomas Abbey and Tajikistan International defender Siyavush Asrorov to bolster the team as they gear up for the new Malaysia League (M-League) season.
Abbey, 26, a midfielder, and Siyavush, 27, a defender, both signed one year contracts with the team after coach Abu Bakar Fadzim expressed satisfaction with both players’ performances.
The duo are now officially Perak SEDC players after they signed their respective contracts witnessed by Perak SEDC president, Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharudin during a contract signing ceremony involving the team’s players at a renowned hotel in Meru earlier today (Wednesday).
Apart from Abbey and Siyavush, Perak SEDC have also secured the services of a few more other players such as Mohd Hafiz Kamal from Perak and Mohd Fazrul Hazli from Felda United.
The team also managed to recruit Khairul Asyraf Sahizah and Muhammad Rafiq Faeez Muhammad Fuad from Perak, G. Mugenthiran (Mifa), Khairul Thaqif Shah Kamal Bashah (Shah Alam Antlers) and Muhammad Hasnan Mat Isa (PJ Rangers).
Zainol added that for the new season, they have not decided as to whether they will engage five or four foreign imports, as for now they have only signed up Abbey, who previously played for Ismaily SC in the Egyptian Premier League, and Siyavush who played for FC Istiklol in the Tajik League.
Zainol also mentioned that he had given Abu Bakar the green light earlier to sign four foreign imports, and that the team’s quota will be filled in the very near future before the new season begins.
He also expressed confidence in Abu Bakar, that the coach will select only the best foreign imports for the team and devise strategies that will enable the team to meet the target set of a top five finish in the Super League.
"If you ask me, for sure we want to become champions, however for now, our target is to achieve a top five finish in the Super League and we are confident that the team can do it,” said Zainol.
Speaking on the loss of their prized forward Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi who will be turning out for Perak, Zainol expressed confidence that they would not face any difficulties upfront as the void left will be duly filled by another capable forward.